Ever heard the expression one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter? Having grown up in Rhodesia during the 1970s I have always been aware of terrorists and freedom fighters. The Rhodesian army were terrorists to the freedom fighters and the freedom fighters were terrorists to many Rhodesians black and white. And there were Christians on both sides.

When it comes to war not everything is black and white. The only war that I ever have thought to be "justifiable" or close to justifiable was the Second World War. In that war the allies were guilty of atrocities as well. Is everything justified, then?

Norman Kimber the anti-Iraq war pacifist has been freed by the same armed forces he opposes. The church is split on the whole issue of the war. And not just in an easy-to-puzzle way. Some who support there being a doctrine of "just war" are against this war as they believe it is not just. And so it goes on. It mut be discussed, debated and all sides understood.

I have realised that it all boils down to personal responsibility for the Christian believer. One day we will stand before the throne of God Almighty and account for our actions. Individually! God will judge us believers and each on his own.We need to live with a sense of that. We need to live with a keen sense of right and wrong. Make your mind up on something and when it comes down to the wire you will be tested. I know of no person who has determined a set of absolute values on everything, but some have come close. That is why we all need God to direct our steps.

The Christian not only needs to take a stand, but also to have a voice. It forms part of the Word of testimony that is mentioned in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. In the particular sect of Christianity that I belonged to there was a peculiar teaching that some people adhered to with respect to obedeience to authority and ones' responsibility as an individual under that authority. It was called the Covering Doctrine. Some Christians will tell you it is about headship which God delegates to his authorities in the church. I believe it is about idolatory.The same church that taught that one must have a personal relationship with God also taught that when it came to personal decisions of importance that ffected the church one had to be covered by another human authority. Junk.